Restaurants
The San Carlos and Coronado area offers a diverse dining scene, from world-class beachfront restaurants to authentic local fondas. Here are our top recommendations within a short drive.
Caelo Beach Restaurant ⭐
Right at Punta Caelo • Fine Dining • $$$
Upscale beachfront restaurant right in the Punta Caelo community. Head chefs José Carles (formerly of Donde José) and Erasmo Bosquez (formerly of Pujol, Mexico City) create an ever-evolving menu of locally-inspired gourmet cuisine.
Must-try dishes: Lobster Roll with pickled Mamon Chino, spicy fried chicken sandwich, green plantain churros
Hours: Wed-Thu 6-10pm, Fri 12-10pm, Sat-Sun 9-11:30am & 12-10pm (closed Mon-Tue)
Contact: WhatsApp +507 6105-9826
Picasso Restaurant
Coronado • International • $$-$$$
A beloved expat hangout with soul. Picasso offers international cuisine, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere. Known for their Wednesday happy hour, Thursday trivia nights, and excellent pizza.
Trattoria Fiorentina
Coronado • Italian • $$
Winner of the "Best Pizza at the Beaches" competition. Authentic Italian cuisine with handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas in a cozy setting.
El Rincón del Chef
San Carlos • Panamanian/Seafood • $$
Fresh local seafood and traditional Panamanian dishes. A favorite among locals for corvina (sea bass) and langostinos.
Delicias Margot
San Carlos • Panamanian • $
Authentic Panamanian home cooking in a classic fonda style. Great for an affordable, filling meal of rice, beans, and fresh-cooked meats.
El Parque Restaurante
San Carlos • Chinese-Panamanian • $
Located in front of San Carlos park. A local institution serving generous portions of Chinese-Panamanian fusion at budget-friendly prices.
Terrazas del Mar
Vista Mar Resort • Fine Dining • $$$
Elegant beachfront dining at Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort. Perfect for a special occasion with stunning ocean views.
Cholos
Coronado • Mexican • $$
Authentic Mexican food at the beach. Great margaritas and generous portions of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Nacionsushi Coronado
Coronado • Japanese/Asian Fusion • $$
Located in Panama's first beach community. Over 150 menu options including keto and gluten-friendly dishes, combining Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine in a modern setting.
Gorgona
La Ruina Restaurant
Gorgona • Panamanian • $$
More than just a bar - La Ruina serves authentic Panamanian food at reasonable prices in a beachfront setting. Great for a casual lunch or dinner.
Bahia Restaurant
Gorgona • Seafood • $$
Fresh ceviche and seafood dishes with ocean views. A laid-back spot popular with locals and visitors alike.
Buenaventura
Note: Buenaventura is a gated resort community. Restaurant reservations are recommended and may be required for entry.
El Faro Beach Club
Buenaventura Resort • Seafood • $$$
Beachfront dining at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Fresh seafood with stunning ocean views. Reservations recommended.
Buenaventura Puntarena Beach Club
Buenaventura • Casual Dining • $$
Steps from the sea in the heart of Puntarena. Great food, refreshing drinks, and pool access. Open Fri-Sun 9am-5pm and during holidays. Call ahead for entry.
Farallon
Mia Beach
Farallon • Italian/Pizza • $$
Authentic Italian pizza made with imported ingredients by an Italian couple, right on the beach. The first beachfront commercial plaza in Panama featuring artisan beer, gelato, and stunning ocean views.
Must-try: Their signature Mia Pizza, craft beers, and Italian desserts
Hours: Daily 9am-9pm
Contact: WhatsApp +507 6174-6241
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca Beach Resort
Playa Blanca • All-Inclusive Resort • $$$
Beachfront resort with the largest saltwater pool in Central America, 4 restaurants, and a marina. Day passes available but note: the main pool is for overnight guests only.
Day pass: ~$75/person (call to confirm current pricing)
Includes: Beach access, restaurants, snack bar
Note: Beach towels not included ($5 rental)
Website: playablancaresort.com • WhatsApp +507 6934-5141
Hotel RIU Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca • All-Inclusive Resort • $$$
Large all-inclusive resort with 4 restaurants serving international, Asian, Italian, and steakhouse cuisine. Day passes available for non-guests - a great option for a full resort experience with beach, pools, and unlimited food & drinks.
Features: 3 pools, waterslide, swim-up bar, beachfront dining
Day pass: Call ahead for current pricing and availability
Contact: +507 907-0900
Grand Decameron Panama
Playa Blanca • All-Inclusive Resort • $$$
The flagship Decameron resort in Panama with 8 restaurants and buffet dining. Day passes include unlimited food and drinks - one of the most popular day pass destinations in Panama.
Day pass: ~$60-65/adult, ~$38 kids 5-11, free under 5 • 10am-5pm
Includes: 8 restaurants, buffet lunch, snacks, 7 pools, beach access
Book ahead: Limited capacity, especially weekends/holidays
$ = Under $10 • $$ = $10-25 • $$$ = $25+
Ask us for our current favorite recommendations - the food scene is always evolving!